The standard in odour neutralisation

For the away-from-home market

WHAT IS AN ODOUR CONTROL PROGRAM?

An odour control program is a planned cleaning procedure that utilises an odour counteractant with non-conflicting fragrance to neutralise odours in a given area, thereby creating a more pleasant environment.

The most effective odour control programs are comprised of assorted products which all work toward one goal…total malodour neutralisation.

It is very important that this program have a congruency with regard to fragrance. There is nothing worse than smelling two, three and sometimes up to four different fragrances in one facility or room. Many times this potpourri of assorted fragrances is worse than the original malodour they are intended to relieve.

The most effective form of odour control is through a process called neutralisation. This process usually combines fragrance materials with chemical compounds to provide immediate and long-term odour control. The fragrance materials usually mask the malodour for short term relief and allow the chemical compounds time to change the molecular structure of the malodour, and thus eliminate the odour permanently.

HOW DO PEOPLE DETECT AND RECOGNISE ODOURS?

Human beings detect and recognise odours by a complex set of physiological and biochemical processes. Detection begins when odour molecules (like benzaldehyde from Maraschino cherries) enter the nose and attach to areas in the nose called “odour receptors”. By precisely fitting into the odour receptors, the odour molecules cause an electrical signal to reach the brain. The brain translates the electrical signal and allows us to recognise the particular odour. If the electrical signal is strong (i.e many odour molecules attached to many receptors), we sense a weak odour. We attach meaning to the odour (good or bad) simply based on experience.

NILODOR PRODUCTS ARE ODOUR NEUTRALISERS

In order to neutralise an odour, a product must do at least one of two things: remove a malodorous molecule from the air so that it never reaches nasal receptors or change the shape (molecular geometry) of a malodorous molecule so that it won’t fit properly into its nasal receptors. If the malodorous molecule is either removed totally or unable to fit in its receptors, no odour will be detected. Nilodor products contain a unique chemical formulation which not only removes malodours from the air but also chemically modifies many malodours so that they can’t fit into their nasal receptors. Thus, Nilodor products are true odour neutralisers. As an added bonus, the products also leave a mild, pleasant fragrance which accents any environment.

Odour Neutralisation Explained

A complete program for most facilities would consist of the following products:

Water Soluble Deodoriser

This is the most common product due to its versatility. The most effective water soluble deodorisers are very concentrated in nature and can be used in almost any type of cleaning procedure (carpet care, hard floor care, fogging, spraying etc.) They can range in levels of fragrance, but it is very necessary they provide long-term neutralisation.

Bio-Enzymatic Bacteria/Enzymes

This product is generally designed to digest organic material that causes malodour molecules to be released in to the air. This type of product also has many applications in any institutional odour control program. It can be used to digest organic odours and strains in carpeting. It is a cleaner’s best ammunition against grease and drain odours from drain lines, septic gas odours from septic systems, etc. Generally, there are three factors to analyse when choosing a Bio-Enzymatic bacteria/enzyme product. First, the most strains of bacteria, the more versatile the product will be at digesting a wide variety of organic material. Second, the higher the bacteria spore count, the quicker it should digest and liquefy waste. Third, it should contain an odour neutraliser to immediately neutralise the malodour, giving the natural process of biodegradation time to occur.

Dispensers and Other Room Fixtures

These can range greatly in cost, application, and effectiveness. Machines and fixtures are generally designed to provide continuous odour control for extended periods of time. These are very popular because they usually offer a pleasant fragrance to anyone using the facility. Keep in mind however, the system approach that should be taken. Make the fragrance and neutraliser consistent throughout.

Powders and Absorbents

These are very important in rounding out a good institutional odour control program. There are granular products designed to help clean up liquid spills while eliminating the sometime obnoxious odours involved. Carpet powders, depending on the compound, usually provide a safe and economical method of neutralising odours in carpet areas. Other industrial granular products are designed to eliminate the obnoxious odours found in garbage areas.

Overall, odour control is one of the most important, sometimes overlooked, components in every institutional cleaning program. Due diligence should be taken when choosing the program appropriate for the facility. We must remember, people judge our cleaning with their noses each and every time they visit.

Our professionals can assist in implementing the appropriate program for you.